Elton John denies claim he sexually harassed security guard
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London - British singer Elton John, 69, has rejected claims he sexually harassed a US police officer serving as his security guard, a lawyer for the popstar said on Wednesday.
His alleged victim, Jeffrey Wenninger, claims in legal papers filed in Los Angeles that the singer had repeatedly groped him and made suggestive comments.
The claims were completely unfounded and driven by money, according to lawyer Orin Snyder, who represents Elton John's company, Rocket Entertainment.
"This baseless lawsuit is brought by a disgruntled former security officer seeking to extract an undeserved payment," Snyder said in a written statement.
Wenninger had served as the singer's security guard in his spare time during 2002 and 2014, when he was dismissed from his duties.
"These claims are patently untrue and contradicted by numerous previous statements made by this plaintiff. We will not give in to his latest abuse of the legal system," Snyder was quoted as saying by British news agency PA.
Elton John has been married to his partner David Furnish, 53, since2014 and has been a vocal defender of lesbian, gay, bi and transgender (LGBT) rights.
- DPA
